December 2025 has presented a tale of extremes for Australia’s star all-rounder Cameron Green. While his stock skyrocketed at the 2026 IPL auction where Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for a record ₹25.20 crore, his performances in the ongoing Ashes have raised serious concerns. A prolonged run of low scores has not only dented confidence but also forced Australia to rethink his role in the Test XI.
Ashes setback deepens at Melbourne
Australia’s troubles intensified on the opening day of the fourth Test in Melbourne on December 26. Sent in to bat after losing the toss, the hosts suffered a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets in the first session, including captain Steve Smith. The slide continued early in the second session with Usman Khawaja also dismissed.
Amid the chaos, Green was expected to arrest the fall of wickets. Instead, he added to Australia’s woes, failing to convert a promising start and departing for 17 runs after an unfortunate run-out, further amplifying scrutiny around his form.
Demotion and numbers paint a worrying picture
Typically a number six in Australia’s Test batting order, Green was demoted to seven following repeated failures in the series, with Alex Carey promoted above him. It was Green’s first appearance at number seven in nearly two and a half years, but the tactical shift delivered no improvement.
His Ashes struggles mirror a broader downturn in 2025. After missing early-season action due to injury, Green returned in the World Test Championship final in June but has since managed just 264 runs across 12 innings in seven matches, averaging 22 with only one half-century. Those figures prompted the reshuffle, yet even that move failed to spark a revival, leaving Australia’s most expensive overseas IPL signing under sustained pressure heading into the remainder of the series.
